I'd ask to speak to the manager, and probably after that to the manager's boss. Yes, seems excessive.

 

2017 VW Touareg Wolfsburg Ed.

Not a mechanic here and won't pretend to know my way around an engine.
Car was in for a routine service and in the process, the dipstick handle was snapped off while pulling it out. What was explained to me was that these plastic components get brittle over time. it was booked in for a couple days later when that part arrived.
The bill for replacing the dipstick showed 2 hours of labour for this task along with the part. I asked how it took 2 hours and the tech told me that '' we had to remove the dipstick tube to get that broken piece of plastic out and that is a super awkward job in a tight space''. so for the more knowledgable folks in this forum i have 2 questions ...... First, should that be on the customer to fix if the tech broke it off while removing it? and secondly, does this really take 2 hours to complete ?

I'm the last guy to argue over pricing at a mechanic because its a tough job but the bill just isn't sitting right with me.

Thanks in advance for the help in understanding this matter.

Firstly IMO and it is only my opinion, if they broke it they should fix it on them. A dipstick, which is odd that you have one, on a 2017 should not have gotten brittle enough to just snap when being removed correctly.
As far as the time to repair it, yes it might take up to 2 hours if they were taking their time and having a lunch break. The best way would be to remove the tube from the engine and then they could either try to push it out or they would have to drill into the broken piece to get something past it to pull it out. Best to do this with the tube removed to prevent anything from going into the engine.
As mentioned above, if you haven't already tried, talk to a manager or someone higher up.

 

First, should that be on the customer to fix if the tech broke it off while removing it?

No.
What a brilliant business model. Break stuff, then charge an arm and a leg to fix it.
They are asking you to cover all costs on top of the inconvenience.
They should at least be absorbing part of the costs.

and secondly, does this really take 2 hours to complete ?

Maybe. It appears that it could be a tricky job getting the dipstick tube out ...

Broke my dipstick tube when doing the oil cooler and WOW, I spent more time getting that out than most of any part of the job. I almost gave up and just JB welded the hole shut forever, but I use an extractor and will never go under a car again for an oil change.

The end of the dipstick tube has a tapper and over time oxidation builds above the taper, which locks the tube into the block. I had to break it apart and use a bolt extractor to work it out with PB blaster and picking out the aluminum fuss.

Just an FYI to be VERY careful.

 

Your Touareg doesn't have an oil dipstick. The dipsticks should know that. This was an actual Volkswagen dealer??

By the way they broke it they replace it.

 

Your Touareg doesn't have an oil dipstick.

There is something really wrong here. What kind of shop is this? Are they even putting the oil in the crankcase or somewhere else

 

I think this is a tricky situation. I've worked on enough cars over the years to know that some plastic components do get brittle over time. I actually broke the top of the dipstick on my V10, luckily the bit that goes into the top of the tube is still intact so it's not a big problem. I can see the argument from both sides. I would try and get them to cover the cost, ( they could just be trying it on to see if you'll pay ) or maybe split the cost? Also ask to see the broken dipstick to confirm it wasn't just careless workmanship, and that there is actually a dipstick.

 

Oem doesn't provide dipstick but a vw shop will have one for oil change fill measurement. If they broke the fing plug go in there and kick their ass dammit. Do not let them charge you for that ****. Then find another shop or learn hiw to do it yourself. Its a pita and sadly most shops f it up.

 

Oem doesn't provide dipstick but a vw shop will have one for oil change fill measurement. If they broke the fing plug go in there and kick their ass dammit. Do not let them charge you for that ****. Then find another shop or learn hiw to do it yourself. Its a pita and sadly most shops f it up.

The dealer does not use a dipstick

 

My 99 Jetta TDI had the plastic dipstick tube break off one day as I was checking the oil. Since I'm the one who broke it, I know that I barely touched it. Since replacements were available from a number of aftermarket suppliers, like Doorman, I assume that this is a commonly replaced part. I purchased a spare as well as the one I needed immediately.

I had a Dodge pick up that experienced a failed dipstick tube due to rust. When looking up the new part, I found that replacement dipsticks were commonly available, so again, I assume that some of them do fail.

My 2014 Touareg came with no dipstick. There was only a plug with an o-ring seal. I am told that this is normal & the dipstick tube is only intended to be used as an access point for a vacuum tube that drains the oil for a change. I like to actually look at my oil, as well as my level, so I purchased an aftermarket dipstick. It reads the same oil level as the touchscreen inside the cabin, so it seems to be accurate, but the diameter of the neck at the top of the dipstick doesn't match my tube correctly, so it isn't able to form a proper seal. As a result, I don't keep the dipstick in the engine. I also wondered if there was sufficient clearance under the engine cover to not mash the top of the dipstick if I did leave it in there. That may be a potential issue.

If the dipstick that failed is an aftermarket part, and it doesn't fit quite right, it may become more difficult to hold the dealer responsible for it's failure. Removing broken pieces from inside the engine can be time consuming. I see a bit of a grey area here. My opinion of the dealer's veracity would be swayed by previous experiences and past performance. He could be a scheister, or you could have set him up for a bad day with faulty aftermarket parts. I really can't pass judgement on this situation based on the information that has been provided. I wasn't in the room when it happened. I just don't know how things went down or what the mechanic's work habits were like.